A new community venue in Isleworth has been launched in the presence of some major names in the boxing world including two-time former world heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon who knocked out Frank Bruno at Wembley.

Also in attendance at the grand opening of the Ivybridge Boxing Gym was former European, British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion and Isleworth resident George Groves and Welsh boxer Barry.

Around 200 residents joined the boxers, Mayor of Hounslow Councillor Ajmer Grewal and Nasira Roy, mother of Sahil Roy who was tragically killed on the estate earlier this year, for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The gym has been launched in response to residents’ passionate pleas at a community meeting shortly after Sahil’s death. They described an overwhelming need for more activities for children and teenagers living in and around the Ivybridge Estate.

The gym is open to all and is located at The Boiler House, Ivybridge Estate, 238 Summerwood Road Isleworth, Middlesex TW7.

Councillor Sue Sampson, ward member for Isleworth and Cabinet Member for Community Protection, Hounslow Council, said: “Earlier this year the residents of Ivybridge Estate lost one of their own. Sahil Roy’s sudden and tragic passing brought a grieving community together to reflect on what could be done to avoid another young person being hurt, or worse.

“The boxing gym has come about following a public meeting where it was made clear that residents wanted more for children and young people to do on the estate. We have listened to their concerns and have worked hard to get this wonderful facility up and running.

“I’d like to thank John Holland from Westside Boxing Gym in Hounslow, who I have been working in partnership with to deliver this project on behalf of Hounslow Housing and the council, and also Houseline Building Services who refurbished what was a disused building at no cost.”

The gym, which is open every Tuesday and Friday, offers non-contact boxing classes for children, adults and women only. Training is delivered by fully qualified ABA and BBBC coaches. Prices are £3 for children and £5 for adults.

Classes are as follows:
Children aged six to 16, Tuesday and Friday, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Adult mixed, Tuesday and Friday, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Women only, Tuesday, 8.30pm.